She has represented the employees since 2012 and has been a group shop steward for Unio since 2009. The union affiliation is the Norwegian Nurses' Association where she has held various positions as shop steward. Alterkjær completed her education as a nurse in 1992, she has a master's degree in health management, labor law, strategic competence planning and shop steward training from her own organization. She has worked in the specialist health service since she finished her training as a nurse, in Hammerfest, Tromsø and Mo i Rana. She has had jobs as a nurse on a rotating basis, and she has been a leader in the mentioned places. Alterskjær is a member of the board's audit committee.